By Donald G. McNeil Jr. (NYT)

Published: April 9, 2005

Reviewing a controversial study that endorsed the AIDS drug nevirapine to prevent mothers from infecting their babies, an independent medical panel has concluded that the study's findings were valid. The study, conducted in Uganda in the 1990's, was scientifically sound despite some flaws in record-keeping and procedures, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences said on Thursday. Nevirapine is widely used in Africa. Later studies also found the drug to be inexpensive, safe and effective, though evidence recently emerged that it could make some mothers more resistant to subsequent antiretroviral treatment. Last year, an expert in clinical trials who was fighting threats of dismissal by the National Institutes of Health claimed publicly that the Uganda study was seriously flawed. His arguments gave fuel to governments that have hesitated to pay for antiretroviral treatment. Donald G. McNeil Jr. (NYT)